Erwinaze

Erwinaze is an antineoplastic agent that is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This medicine is used in patients who have had an allergic reaction to a different type of asparaginase treatment.

Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi works by inhibiting the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. This drug may also affect the growth of normal body cells. Thus, other effects can occur. Serious effects that may occur must be reported to the doctor immediately.

Before using Erwinaze, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi or to any other medications.

Safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established in children and elderly.

Pregnancy category C – Tell your doctor first if you are currently expecting a baby or if you are planning to become pregnant before taking this medication.

Breastfeeding while under Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi treatment can cause harmful infant effects since this drug can pass through breast milk. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Taking this medicine with Live Rotavirus Vaccine is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Taking this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or the frequency of one or both of your medicines.

• Live Adenovirus Vaccine Type 4
• Live Adenovirus Vaccine Type 7
• Live Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine
• Live Influenza Virus Vaccine
• Live Measles Virus Vaccine
• Methotrexate
• Live Mumps Virus Vaccine
• Live Poliovirus Vaccine
• Prednisolone
• Prednisone
• Live Rubella Virus Vaccine
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Typhoid Vaccine
• Varicella Virus Vaccine
• Vincristine
• Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
• Yellow Fever Vaccine

Certain medical problems can cause interaction with this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bleeding problems caused by L-asparaginase treatment
• Blood clotting problems caused by L-asparaginase treatment
• Pancreatitis caused by L-asparaginase treatment - Should not be given to patients with these conditions.
• Bleeding problems
• Blood clotting problems
• Diabetes
• High blood sugar
• Pancreatitis

Since Erwinaze is administered through injection, you will use it with the help of a healthcare professional.

Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi is administered by your health care professionals through muscle or a vein.

If you are under treatment with other medicines, it is important that you receive each one at the proper time. If you are taking some oral medicines as well, ask your doctor to help you plan to take them at the right times.

Call your health care provider if you miss a dose for instructions.

If you take Erwinaze, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.

Check with your doctor on regular visits to monitor your progress with the medication.

Tell your doctor or seek for medical help if:

• If you experience allergic reaction from this medicine.
• If you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness. Pancreatitis may occur while you are using this medicine.
• If you start having increased thirst or hunger, increased urination, pale skin, nausea, sweating, or faintness.
• If you develop confusion, headache, nausea and vomiting, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, or chest pain after receiving this medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Erwinaze.

Check with your health care providers right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• Cough
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever
• Hives or welts, itching, or rash
• Hoarseness
• Irritation
• Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Redness of the skin
• Swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• Tightness in the chest
• Troubled breathing or swallowing
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Bloating
• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Constipation
• Dark urine
• Dry mouth
• Flushed, dry skin
• Fruit-like breath odor
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
• Pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• Seizures
• Severe headaches of sudden onset
• Sudden loss of coordination
• Sudden onset of slurred speech
• Sudden vision changes
• Sweating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Bruising
• Confusion
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Headache
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
• Persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose
• Red streaks on the skin
• Swelling, tenderness, or pain at the injection site
• Trouble speaking, thinking, or walking

Less serious side effects:

• Diarrhea

Not all side effects are listed above. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.